Wally Backman takes over Staten Island FerryHawks as team looks to salvage rough start

Wally Backman has been named manager of the Staten Island FerryHawks, giving the former New York Mets infielder a chance to return to a New York dugout as the independent club tries to stop a disastrous start to the season.

The FerryHawks are 8-40 in the Atlantic League, and the move comes as the team tries to reset both on the field and in front of fans at SIUH Community Park on Staten Island.

Backman, 66, told The Post that his time in baseball is not over and that he wants to manage in New York. He also said the job gives him a chance to prove there is still more ahead in his baseball career.

Back To New York Baseball

Backman played on the 1986 World Series championship Mets and has long carried a polarizing reputation in the New York baseball orbit. His new role brings him back to the market where he remains a familiar name.

He previously managed the New Britain Bees in 2018 and the Long Island Ducks from 2019 to 2023, according to the reporting.

FerryHawks chairman John Catsimatidis told The Post that Backman fits the team because of his winning mindset and local name recognition.

Immediate Next Steps

The club is using the hiring as part of a broader push to build interest around upcoming dates on the calendar.

A team tryout is scheduled for June 23, 2026. Backman’s first home game is set for June 24, 2026.

The FerryHawks also plan to honor the 1986 Mets on June 27, 2026 at SIUH Community Park and to host Lee Mazzilli as part of that event.

The team’s official website remains active and includes open tryout registration and current team navigation, underscoring that the organization is moving quickly to follow through on the announcement.